Just Listen

Reader reviewed by Anna

There are only some books out there that can keep me reading long into the night. Just Listen was definitely one of those books. After reading the first couple of chapters, i could not put the book down. I took it EVERYWHERE I went. It is a very captivating book, and it makes you feel like you are in Annabel Green's shoes. I guarantee if you like those teen love stories, which I LOVE, this is the perfect book for you.

Reader reviewed by lexy

Jsut listen is a book about a girl who had everything friends family and party plans. Until something nasty happens and shes all alone. She hates what she does but cant find the courage to say somthing, because she is nice. Then comes a boy who is dead honset. And will tell the truth weather it hurts or not. She has a chance to say somthing and tell people what really happen and why she now has nothing, but the answer you will have to find out your self. Just read it and hopefully you will love it like I do.

Reader reviewed by Laura

Hmm this book had the perfect ending, The girl macy has been through so much, death of her dad and she thinks she's complete with a perfect boy friend who guys to summer math camp. While he's there she takes over his job at a library where the girls who work there don't like her much. Then she meets this guy who i guess who changes her a little. You'll have to read the book for the rest of the details because then i'll spoil it for you.

Reader reviewed by Stacey

In Just Listen Annabel Greene, the main character, struggles to hold in a what really happened to destroyed her reputation. Annabel's
ex-best friend, Sophie, spread a bunch of rumors about her and Sophie's
boyfriend. Annabel went from the girl with everything and being very
popular to a nobody, no one wanted anything to do with her. Annabel
feels that no one will listen and that she would never be able to tell
the truth about what really happened over the summer until she meets
Owen. Owen makes her feel like she finally wants to tell someone the
truth.

I thought this book was really good, once I started reading it I didn't
want to put it down. I just loved how I could sort of relate to how
Annabel feels at parts in the book, like when she feels no one will
care or understand and how she felt about the rumors. I also liked how
descriptive the book was on the characters because it helped me get a
mental picture of what they might be like.

Reader reviewed by Amber


Out of all the books I have read by Sarah Dessen this one is my favorite. The reason why I like it so much you ask well...... Sarah created this character that had this really complicated life (sister with an eating disorder, friend problems so on and so forth) and the book was about how she unraveled all of this and in the end she was happy and had finally found exactly where she is supposed to be.



I also really liked how the title ties into the story directly as in one of the lines that came up frequently was "Don't think don't judge just listen". Which is really what the story is about Annabell trying to get people to just listen to what she has to say. Definitely a must read for fans of Dessen and even those who aren't.

Reader reviewed by Amber

Out of all the books I have read by Sarah Dessen this one is my favorite. The reason why I like it so much you ask well...... Sarah created this character that had this really complicated life (sister with an eating disorder, friend problems so on and so forth) and the book was about how she unraveled all of this and in the end she was happy and had finally found exactly where she is supposed to be. 

I also really liked how the title ties into the story directly as in one of the lines that came up frequently was "Don't think don't judge just listen". Which is really what the story is about Annabell trying to get people to just listen to what she has to say. Definitely a must read for fans of Dessen and even those who aren't

Reader reviewed by Kelsey

After being seen with her best friend's, Sophie, boyfriend things go down the drain for Annabell. She spends her Junior year in a mist of lonesomeness, until she meets Owen, who teaches her the real meaning of things and befriends her. In this love and romance book, you yourself can learn the real meaning of things. I loved this book and you will too! Recommended for 8th and up.

Reader reviewed by Randi

Imagine you're on tv being you're exact opposite. For Annabel being a model whos life in commercials looks like she has it made contradicts what her life is with no friends and a sister Whitney struggling with anorexia. She use to really have an amazingly life with amazing friends until a falling out with her best friend's boyfriend tried to rape Annabel, and hr best friend wouldn't believe her. Then she meets a guy who allows hr to open hr eyes and ears to hear whats really going on. In this compelling novel about a girls struggle of almost being raped you get to go through a battle within herself which finally leads her into trialing her "almost" rapist. I sincerely think you'll enjoy it.

Reader reviewed by MssJos

I have been hearing about Sarah Dessen non-stop lately so despite my preconceived notions that her novels were full of mushy fluff aimed at pre-teens, I picked up Just Listen on my last library visit. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of the novel and the severity of the topics covered.

Annabel Greene is in a particulary difficult situation that many young adults may find themselves in during middle and/or high school. Due to a misunderstanding with a friend, Annabel has gone from a popular girl to an outcast instantly.

While Annabel may appear to have it all, a successful modeling career, two beautiful sisters, and some quirky adolescents that look up to her, she is suffering silently inside. (Note-Annabel literally lives in a glass house, which was a little Dessen-esque from what I hear) Annabel is selfless to a fault. Readers learn towards the end of the novel that Annabel has had an extremely traumatic experience, but is keeping quiet to keep from upsetting her (ex)friends and family. Determined to keep the peace at home despite her older sister's life-threatening eating disorder, Annabel consistently places her own needs last. Annabel struggles throughout the novel with the concepts of honesty, courage, and expressing her emotions. Fortunately, she receives help from some unlikely sources, one being Owen Armstrong, a mysterious music-obsessed male classmate with anger management issues.

After carrying the world on her shoulders, Annabel must learn to stand up for herself by confronting some of her deepest, darkest feelings. Through Owen and Annabel's encounters, Dessen reminds adolescents that sometimes honesty really is the best policy, and when you feel trapped with no alternatives, only the truth will set you free.

Reader reviewed by katie

When I went to the library I saw this book and thought "Oh well this is going to be one of those girlie dramas, but I'll give it a shot." There was in fact a lot of drama but not so much to a point where it was overwhelming just to read it. Annabelle Annabelle Annabelle Greene (a joke) a model, actress, with a perfect life...on the outside. At home she struggles with her sister's eating disorder, at school drama with a girl (ex-friend) who thinks Annabelle slept with her boyfriend, as well as the (ex-BFF) other girl who all over the summer and for most of the semester Annabelle thinks hates her.Juggling all this plus a new friendship with Owen Armstrong the mysterious boy who always has his headphones on. As this friendship blooms into love, Annabelle will have to open up and discuss what really happened the night at the party that led to the fight and all the drama. Annabelle will find herself and discover that even though it may hurt, honesty is the best policy.